Chapter Two
Carlisle and Emmett moved faster than the wind as they ran through towering trees and high grass until they reached a small stream lined with high rocky embankments. There they stopped and looked out ahead to the other bank expectantly. Almost as if sensing their presence, two large wolves, one black and one grey, stepped out from behind moss covered trees. The grey one glanced toward the larger vampire and snarled loudly; where the black wolf was just moments before now stood a large naked russet skinned man. He gave one look to the pair and said in a deep commanding voice "Follow us" before turning into a wolf once again. The two animals took off in a swift canter in the opposite direction and the vampires quickly jumped the embankment to follow.
The two wolves finally slowed as they came to the edge of the forest. This time both of the animals turned into large naked men, both of which hurried to redress in shorts that were tied to their legs. One of the men looked to the other and simply stated "Behave, Paul" before facing the two pale beings that now stood behind them.
"He's up here" Sam gestured with his head. "I'm assuming Billy Black explained the circumstances."
Carlisle nodded, adjusting his button down shirt which had become slightly untucked during their race through the forest. Emmett watched the exchange carefully, eyes filled with distrust until he was drawn to the other half naked man. Paul met the glare with his own disdainful look. The two made quite a pair; both around the same height and build yet opposites in every other way. Emmett was pale, shining occasionally when the sun slipped through the clouds, with bright amber eyes that reflected a controlled intelligent distaste. Paul was bronzed, with a black tattoo showing proudly on his left shoulder. His dark brown eyes reflected a wild uninhibited rage.
Paul and Emmett continued their staring contest as Sam lead Carlisle up the steps of a near by house. After a few minutes of glaring, Paul finally gave a huff, "disgusting" he muttered under his breath, yet still loud enough for Emmett to hear. Emmett just rolled his eyes as Paul turned and stalked to the same house the other vampire had just entered.
Inside, Carlisle crouched down by the youngest shape shifter, who was lying on the living room floor still in his wolf form. He was covered with three different blankets and looked like he was going in and out of a fitful sleep. With every shaky uneven breath he let out also came small scared whimpers.
"He hasn't been injured in anyway?" Carlisle turned and asked Sam.
"Just stuck like this." Sam answered with a shrug. "He's worked himself up quite a bit though. He's hardly slept and barely eaten since it happened four days ago. He's started shaking just recently. Every time I try and talk to him he's panicked. Even after we ran him half to death and took him swimming. No change, he just keeps freaking out. Nothing. And now he has begun fainting. It happens almost every time he stands up."
Carlisle placed a cold hand on the wolf's head, who growl deliriously from the touch. "He seems a little warm even compared to your usual raised temperature."
Carlisle remained crouched on the balls of his feet and stared blankly at the wolf on the ground.
"I think I may know of someone who can help." Carlisle stood up and turned to face Sam, who was now joined by two worried looking women.
"Will he be okay?" The younger of the two women interrupted worriedly.
Carlisle let out a sigh. "I don't know." He admitted honestly.
"Then why the hell did you bother co-!" They same woman started yelling.
"Leah!" The other one admonished. "He's trying. Go back to your room and let them work in peace." At this, angry tears sprung to Leah's eyes and she quickly ran up the stairs. Moments later a loud slam echoed through out the home. "I'm sorry, Doctor." She continued. "After their father, my husband, died two weeks ago, we've all been rather…uptight." She seemed to breathe out with her own melancholy look.
"Don't worry about it, Sue." Carlisle said, returning her sad look with one of sympathy. "I'll have someone over here by tomorrow at the latest. I hear he's quite proficient with this kind of diagnosis." He gestured around the room with a small smile.
"What time?" Sam stepped forward and asked the vampire doctor.
"I'm not sure, but I'll let you know as soon as I do. I'd be happy give them a ride down here as well." Carlisle returned.
"Thank you Doctor" Sue Clearwater stepped up to shake his hand and Carlisle gladly complied.
"Of course. Sam, I will call you as soon as I know." With that Carlisle walked from the house, quickly follow by Emmett. As the two reached the edge of the forest, they took off back toward the other bank of the river and off of the Quileute territory. Once they were clear of the tribe, both of them wiped at their noses and their eyes met.
"Bleh!" Emmett stuck out his tongue. Carlisle just chuckled and shook his head in silent agreement.
-0-
"Happy Birthday!" Harry yelled as he wrapped his arms around the giant torso in front of him. Remus stood behind him with a brightly colored bag hanging on his elbow and a small cake balanced in the same hand. In his other arm was a two year old boy, who had tawny hair and bright blue eyes, not unlike the man receiving Harry's embrace.
Teddy, upon seeing the man, reached out to him, squirming so much in Remus' arms that the old werewolf was forced to put him down. As Harry moved away, small arms wrapped around Lore's leg. Teddy looked straight up and raised both tiny hands to the tall alpha which resulted in a set of strong tanned arms reaching down and scooping the child up.
Harry looked around the back yard of his friend's home. It seemed that the whole pack was there. A few large middle-aged men stood around a line of three long steal grills, all laughing loudly while carefully glancing at what could have been the most hamburgers and brats that Harry had ever seen in one place. Older women in knee length sun dresses were sitting around picnic tables gossiping and occasionally pulling a child into them to wipe their face or reprimand them about rough housing. Teenaged boys and girls, all of which were dressed in what could be considered "Sunday" clothes, were gathered around coolers full of ice and beer, popping caps and clicking bottles against one another. Catching Harry's eye, one of the boys waved him over with a smile and let out a loud, "Hey! Harry! You have got to see this roast we have going!"
Harry gave a side glance to his family. Lore was already carrying Teddy over to a group of toddlers that were playing in a patch of dark wet dirt, cooing to the child about how handsome he looked. Remus followed the pair with a roll of his eyes and joined the group of women at the table, placing the cake and bag to the side.
Harry started forward to the group of teenagers. Just as he was about to accept the dark green bottle handed to him by the same boy, he was intercepted by a woman no younger than fifty years of age with dark blonde hair and kind hazel eyes. "I don't think so." She smiled at Harry. "First I need your help with the potatoes. And Tommy," she turned to give the boy an authoritative look. "I need that a hell lot more than you do." She said as she grabbed both the bottle he was handing to Harry and the one he had obviously just opened.
Harry pulled her into a quick hug as she handed him the drink. "How are you Mrs. Aurelius?"
She linked her arm with his as they continued to walk toward Lore's home. "If I have to make another damn casserole today, my son can spend his next birthday far away me and my kitchen."
-0-
"So what did you get me?" Lore had his arm around Harry as they lounged alone on a soft off-white sofa inside of Lore's living room. Harry head spun pleasantly under the influence of a few beers he had taken through the day and early evening. It was past ten o' clock. Remus had long since taken Teddy home and the remaining guest were gathered around a large campfire out back, yelling and laughing drunkenly back and forth across the dieing embers.
Harry rested his head on Lore's broad shoulder. "Who says I got you anything?" He said with an intentionally blank face and suspiciously innocent eyes. Lore met his eyes with an amused smile, as if to say 'really now?' He laughed and pulled Harry closer to plant a sweet kiss on his temple as Harry drew a small, elegantly wrapped box out of his pocket. Just as Harry handed over the box to the blue eyed man, his phone began to ring inside of his khaki shorts.
"Go ahead, I'll wait." Lore said patiently. He gave Harry a small push with the arm that was wrapped around him just moments before and looked down to examine the beautiful green box tied with extravagant gold ribbon as Harry got to his feet.
Harry took a few steps away as he gazed quizzically at the unrecognized number on the screen.
"This is Harry Potter." He said steadily, used to the incoming calls from New York University directing him to his next medical assignment.
"Hello Healer Potter, this is Carlisle Cullen from Fork General in Washington. I was directed to you by the Medical Council at NYU. There has been an incident on the La Push reservation that will need you assistance…"
-0-
"…Thanks Dr. Cullen. I'll be over there first thing in the morning… yeah, you too." Harry clicked his phone shut as he began to make his way back over to Lore's side.
Lore held out his hand, which Harry took as he resumed his place, held carefully at the alpha's side. "What was that all about?" Lore asked.
Harry looked at him and shrugged. "Some kid shifter has been stuck in his wolf form for a few days and is beginning to show strange symptoms. It sounds like he may have just freaked himself out but you never know. They want me to go and check it out; make sure nothing serious is going on."
Lore snorted and rolled his eyes. "Typical shifter." He said condescendingly with a shake of his head.
"Oh, stop it." Harry slapped him playfully on the arm with an amused grin.
"Where is this pack anyhow?" Lore said, sounding surprisingly uninterested. He brushed his giant fingers soothingly through Harry's soft raven locks; occasionally brushing up and down his neck in an unconscious sign of protective dominance.
Harry rested his head in Lore's calloused hand, thoroughly enjoying the treatment. "La Push Reservation in Washington State." Lore's hand abruptly stopped. Harry glanced over to see Lore raise an eyebrow with a frown. "So you've heard of them." Harry said.
"Yes, the Quileutes." Lore said sounding haughty. He removed his hand from Harry's head and sat up straighter. "You mean to tell me that tomorrow morning you are going to a pack full of short-tempered, ill-mannered, not to mention mostly unmated young males, by yourself?"
"Um, yes. That sounds about right." Harry said rather defensively.
"I'm coming with you." Lore said continuing to frown heavily.
"Absolutely not." Harry returned quickly. "I'm a doctor in training for God's sake, how would that make me look? Never mind how the pack would react to me showing up with another alpha. I'd be lucky to get anything accomplished with you hovering and picking fights with all of them. And yes, we both know that's what would happen." Harry let out a sigh at Lore's irritated stare. "Look Lore" Harry moved one of his hands to cup Lore's face tenderly. "I know this is hard. It's hard for me too. But I have to do this by myself; I can't always rely on you to be there. You are searching for your mate; you can feel them getting closer. I'm about to be out of your life forever, you need to let me begin one of my own. Who knows? Maybe all the unmated guys are a good thing?" Harry finished with a sad laugh.
Lore closed his eyes tightly and wrapped Harry in a desperate embrace. "You will never be out of my life, Harry. I love you." He paused for a moment as Harry returned the embrace with an equal amount of passion. "That being said," Lore pulled back but still held Harry tightly. "No, the unmated Quileutes are not a good thing. However, I saw the look Cyrus was giving you this evening and I personally think that staying in the pack is a fantastic idea." Harry rolled his eyes as Lore placed a series of kisses to his face and head.
Harry finally ducked his head away from the assault. "Shut up and open your present already." He pushed Lore to the other end of the couch.
The blonde haired man picked up the box with an excited smile. He carefully untied the gold ribbon and laid it to the side. He let an enormous grin slide across his face as he opened the box. "Oh, Harry" He said pulling the younger man into another passionate embrace. "It's beautiful."
Inside the box was an elegant white gold watch. The face had an astounding drawing of the Aurelius crest in black and burgundy, embellished with Onyx and rubies.
"If you press here-" Harry leaned over the massive man to show him the spot. "You can see where anyone you choose to add is." As Harry pressed the designated spot, the clock hands were replaced with named hands, each was pointing to the right hand corner labeled: Home. It was not unlike the Weasley's clock he was first introduced to six years ago. "I already added your parents and myself." He admitted with a light blush. "You can add your mate as soon as you find them."
Lore stared at the green eyed man with a loving look. "Home, huh?" Lore asked with a teasing yet incredibly happy smile.
"Yeah." Harry blushed even more, running a hand through his hair nervously. "I put 'Home' as both here and Buffalo for me. I figured I'm here enough between you and helping the pack-"
"It's perfect." Lore simply stated. He leaned forward and kissed the younger man lightly. Harry sighed happily and leaned into the werewolf until he was lounging across the other man's warm, well defined chest. "I'm glad this is your home."
-0-
Harry stepped out into the damp air and took a deep breath. He turned to the vampire getting out of the other side of the new black Volvo. "Thanks a lot, Dr. Cullen. I can get a ride back from here." His smooth British accent soothed the Doctor momentarily.
Carlisle nodded his thanks and appreciation. Harry had understood the tense situation between the two groups of magical creatures. He walked around the car to give the handsome blonde vampire a firm handshake. He had really enjoyed the Doctor's company for the moderately long drive. With four hundred years of experience, the man had amazing stories from all over the world, with hundreds of different magical creatures and just as many famous humans. The tales were invigorating and Harry couldn't help but ask for more.
"Sam Uley, the tribe's alpha, should be here any minute." Carlisle said with a strained look, keeping one of his hands on the driver's side door.
"Right. I can just wait here. It was a pleasure meeting you." Harry glanced out to the edge of the neighborhood expectantly.
"You as well." Carlisle returned kindly. In a flash the man was back in the car and half way down the road. As Harry watched the elegant car disappear around the bend, a russet skinned man appeared out of the towering trees that boarded the neighborhood.
The shape shifter reminded Harry a lot of Lore. He was an intimidating man whose size and demeanor commanded respect, however his eyes revealed him to be compassionate and kind. He was standing at an impressive 6'5", with broad shoulders and solid arms and legs. His short hair was as black as Harry's own and his eye's were a warm chocolate brown. Although the man looked incredibly exhausted and worried, he still graced Harry with a half smile on his handsome face.
"Are you Healer Potter?" The man asked looking surprised.
"Not exactly what you expected, right?" Harry said with a laugh. "Sam Uley?" The man reached out to shake Harry's hand.
Sam gave the young Healer a once over. The boy couldn't be more than twenty years old. He had short glossy black hair that was parted to the side and contrasted heavily with his lightly tanned skin. His green eyes could only be described as brilliant; they were framed by lightly sprinkled freckles that stretched across his nose. In one word, the boy was gorgeous. His smile lit up his face like the world was a joke and he was the only one who got it, and his eyes danced with a soothing confidence that put Sam at ease. His British accent and melodious voice seemed to wash over the alpha like a much needed breath of fresh air.
He was dressed professionally, with dark brown Sperry Top-siders, neatly pressed kaki slacks, and a light blue button down Polo that was rolled up to his elbows. He had a stethoscope draped around his neck and two rather large bags hanging off one arm.
"Not exactly. Aren't you a little young to be a doctor?" Sam asked slightly weary of the young man.
"I'm interning for my Medical school. But don't worry, you're in good hands. I'm the best." The last part Harry said with a wink. Sam couldn't help but trust the Doctor.
"Okay." Sam chuckled. "Follow me, I'll show you to Seth." He led Harry to an old home not too far away. When Harry stepped in side, he was immediately drawn to the distressed wolf lying very still on the floor. The room was dimly lit and an older woman was kneeled down next to the young wolf trying to get him to drink some water. She looked up as Harry entered the room.
"Hi Ma'am, I'm Healer Potter. Is this him?" He asked even though the answer was obvious. She nodded shortly and looked at Harry questioningly. He ignored her as she moved away and went to switch all of the lights on by the door. Harry took her place by Seth's massive head.
"Hey Seth." Harry ran a hand through the lightly colored fur. The wolf looked at him with unfocused eyes, too weak to lift his head. "I'm just going to check a few things. I need you to stay as still as possible."
Harry then went to check his pulse and blood pressure. He then sat back on the balls of his feet with a raised eyebrow. "Mrs. Clearwater, could I speak with you for a moment?"
Harry stood and led the women to a dark corner.
"Doctor Cullen explained your son's symptoms to me earlier today, and the way his health has digressed. He also mentioned that you recently had a family tragedy?" He asked carefully and quietly. The old dark haired woman nodded silently with tears running out of her eyes. Harry rested a calming hand on her shoulder. "Your son will be fine." He stated confidently. "I'm convinced that his inability to initially shift back to a human form was a response to emotional distress caused by your loss. It's quite common, especially in younger shifters, werewolves, etc. Unfortunately for him, this caused more distress which began to take a physical toll when he stopped eating, drinking and sleeping. Then you had the accelerated heart rate, exhaustion and low blood pressure which causes fainting, insomnia, a fever and more emotional and physical distress." Harry made a circle with one of his hands. "It's a vicious cycle." He finished.
The woman before him was looking slightly better by the end of Harry's explanation. "What I'm going to do is get him to transform back and then get him into bed. Sam Uley is outside; he can help carry him up. Then I'm going to give him probably two or three liters of saline. He'll probably fall asleep pretty soon and won't wake up until tomorrow evening. Just make sure he stays pretty inactive until Tuesday. He's gone through what sounds like a pretty rough ordeal and he needs to let his body recover. Seth should be back to full health and appetite by Thursday."
Harry gave Mrs. Clearwater a bright handsome smile. As soon as she met his eyes, she swiftly wrapped him in an encompassing embrace which Harry returned. "Thank you! Oh, Thank you!" She cried into his shoulder. Harry patted her back softly.
"It's almost over." He whispered as she let go of him. She buried her head in her hands and walked off to the kitchen.
Harry then made his way to the front door and let Sam in. He explained everything he had just told Mrs. Clearwater. Sam nodded in understanding as Harry knelt by the torso of the large wolf, who seemed to be lost in his own fever induced world.
"How will you get him to shift back?" Sam asked.
"It's pretty simple; you just need to get them to relax enough that they'll sub-consciously shift into their originally state." Harry began to softly move his hand through the thick fur on the wolf's stomach and side. He then leaned over to run his other hand over the large head, carefully stoking behind the large ears and thick neck. He leaned over to whisper soothingly to the young shifter reassuringly. "It's okay. Just relax, don't think. Shhh. It's going to be alright, just take some deep breaths… there you go."
This went on for about eight minutes until suddenly the massive wolf was replaced with a young boy. He looked awful. He had dark circles around both his eyes, his face was extremely pale and he was sweating profusely. To Sam it looked like Seth had dropped close to ten pounds during the past five days.
"Hey there, welcome back." Harry said to the boy who looked at his human body and at once burst into sobs. Upon hearing the sound, Mrs. Clearwater rushed into the room and gathered her son into a tight hug and cried quietly.
Harry looked away from the sight. He walked over to one of his bags, upon opening it he checked four one liter bags of saline inside of the insulated cooler and an IV drip. He nodded to Sam who walked over from the parting mother and son and gathered Seth into his strong comforting arms. He then carried the small sick teen up the stairs and onto a small bed in his room.
Harry followed right behind them. Once Seth was settled on his twin bed, Harry gently took his arm in his hand. "Don't look." He said to the boy as he pushed in a large needle at his elbow joint. Harry looked toward Sam and Mrs. Clearwater in the doorway.
"I'll be back every thirty minutes to switch out the bag and check his blood pressure." He looked to Mrs. Clearwater. "I want you to call me when he wakes up tomorrow evening and I'll stop by for a follow up, just to make sure there is nothing else going on here."
She nodded with a happy smile on her face.
"Hey Seth." Harry once again turned his attention to the ill looking werewolf on the bed. "If you need to go to the bathroom while I'm outside, call your mom and she can walk you there. Just pick up the bag and take it with you but make sure it stays above your elbow, OK?" Seth nodded to him with a light blush. "Take it easy alright?" Harry said with a charming grin and a light touch to Seth's head. "I'll be back in a few."
Harry and Sam made their way down the stairs. Once they were outside Sam stopped Harry with a hand on his arm. "Thank you Healer Potter-" "Harry" Harry interrupted.
"Harry" Sam stated with a relived smile. "I do have one question for you though; there is another thing I'm curious about and I was hoping you would have an answer… One of the boys on the reservation has grown about six inches and gained at least twenty pounds of muscle over the past year. He's twenty now. Do you know why something like this would happen?"
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment. "Either he's about to find a powerful mate or it's a response to the recent invasion of vampires on your land. Could be both." Harry said with a shrug. Sam seemed to be thinking hard about something before he nodded to himself.
"Well if you haven't eaten yet, my fiancé always cooks way too much. She basically feeds the entire pack." He said with a loving look in his eyes. Harry could instantly tell that this alpha loved this woman very much. It made him feel warm inside that love like this still existed.
"I appreciate the offer but I already ate. I think I'm just going to stick around here until I can raise Seth's blood pressure to a reasonable level." Harry said.
"Well, if you change your mind, we live right over there." Sam pointed to a brown house nestled into the forests edge. "Or if you want to take a little walk, you can head about three minutes down that trail and it will take you to a nice view of the ocean." He pointed to the other tree line. Harry nodded his thanks and with a final hopeful look, Sam made his way over to his imprinted.
After a few minutes of checking the supplies in his bags, Harry glanced to the trail. Leaving his things on the Clearwater's porch, he began to walk toward the trail. Just as he was entering the woods, an older girl ran past him heading to the house he had just left. She threw him a dirty inquiring look but continued full speed until she was inside.
Harry shrugged to himself and kept walking until he reached the top of a cliff that hung over a dark and immense ocean. As he stared out at the wondrous view with a small smile, a large grey wolf watched him from the dense forest.
-0-
All the hair on Paul's back stood on end. He looked to the young man standing a few feet from the edge of the cliff, staring dreamily off into the midday sky. 'Who the hell is this guy?' He asked over to the rest of the pack. But no one answered. Paul huffed angrily. 'Fine, I'll take care of him myself.'
The giant shape shifter transformed and slipped on a pair of shorts before walking to the entrance of the trail, out of his hiding spot. He crossed his heavily muscled arms and planted an angry scowl on his handsome face.
"And just who the hell are you?" Paul asked strongly, glaring at the teen until the black haired boy turned around quickly, startled by the interruption. When their eyes met, Paul stilled at the powerful, confident, vivid green eyes.